At the first stage you will find a date literally “written” by the Canadian Coast Guard:
__________ __ __ / __ __ __ __ .
a b c d e f g
To determine the coordinates for the second stage…
First solve for a by transcribing the written month to its numeric equivalent (eg: January =1, February = 2, etc). Then expand the year (d e f g) to it’s full 4-digit equivalent (eg: 98 = 1998, 09 = 2009, 16 = 2016, etc).
The FINAL coordinates are: N 50° 4b.ag(b+1) W 096° gg.cag
The second stage (final) is a very short distance away.
Muggles will be an issue, even in the evening, so stealth is an absolute must.
Children and/or a camera would be a valuable asset to help deflect suspicion.
The Pier was built in 1912 and is maintained by the Federal Government. The Canadian Coast Guard uses this pier, along with other pleasure craft. When this cache was placed, the Coast Guard cutter Vakta was docked here (home harbour is Gimli, MB). The Namao, a floating laboratory research vessel, docks here regularly. And, until the 1970's, the cruise ship Lord Selkirk II would make regularly-scheduled stops. The pier has 6 docking moors. There is an Environment Canada weather monitoring station located here, as well as one of Manitoba Hydro's eight lake level gauging stations.
Take some time to watch the graceful pelicans, friendly fisherman, colourful sailboats, courageous pier divers, and if it's the right time of day, the fantastic sunsets/sunrises.
Caution: Do not attempt to get to these coordinates during times of inclement weather. High winds and driving rain will inadvertently push you off the pier and into Lake Winnipeg. Do not attempt to go on the pier if it is unsafe to do so.
You may wish to stop off at Einfeld’s Bakery for some baked goodies (N 50° 42.047 W 096° 33.484). “Happy Face” cookies and “Dream” cookies are VB staples. Also, try the cow pies.
The Moonlight Inn is open during the summer months and is a convenient place for lunch or dinner (N 50° 41.992 W 096° 33.521).
The most popular day beach is nearby Clubhouse Beach (N 50° 41.925 W 096° 33.687). There is no campground at Victoria Beach.
Parking note:
During the months of July and August, vehicle traffic is restricted at Victoria Beach. If you arrive between the last week of June and Labour Day (first weekend in September), you must park your car in the parking lot (N 50° 42.135 W 096° 33.191) and walk from there. Parking will cost you $8.00 for the day (in 2020). So bring your bike. Alternatively, bring you family and beach gear and make a day of it. Note: During the other 10 months of the year, your vehicle is welcome to travel with you throughout the community.
Note: If you indicate to the parking lot attendant that you are just going to find a geocache near the Bakery, they will only charge you $3.00. (If they've never heard of geocaching, mention you are just going to the Bakery).
This cache was hidden by a member of
the Manitoba Geocaching Association.
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Detailed attributes listing: Stealth required, high muggle zone in summer months, scenic view, not wheelchair accessible, bikes allowed, available 24 hours a day, watch for pelicans, dogs allowed, takes less than 15 minutes, kid friendly but be cautious of the unguarded water's edge, parking fees required during summer months, not necesarily winter friendly but normally available in winter.
A note about winter-friendliness: Normally this cache is accessible even in the winter. Snow is not usually a factor in it's retrieval. However in 2010-11, deep snow prevented access to GZ and greatly hindered search efforts. Snow levels have varied greatly year-to-year since. If it is a challenge to walk from Stage 1 to Stage 2, the cache will not likely be findable.